Elena Cornaro Piscopia (1646 - 1684)

Elena Piscopia was an Italian philosopher and mathematician who became the first woman to earn a doctoral degree (1678). After graduating, she lectured on math at the University of Padua. She is honored with a stained-glass window at Vassar College in New York.

By age seventeen Elena Piscopia was also considered to be an expert musician. During her life, in addition to mastering the sciblis of her time-which means she mastered almost the entire body of knowledge-Elena mastered the harpsichord, the clavichord, the harp, and the violin. Her mastery of musical instruments was crowned by the music she composed.

Elena Piscopia did not seek degrees from the University of Padua; she simply wanted to continue her learning. However, Giovanni Cornaro insisted that the world recognize his daughter's incredible knowledge. Thus, at his insistence, Elena applied for a Doctorate of Theology degree from the University of Padua. Her application met with resistance. Officials in the Roman Catholic Church refused to confer the title of Doctor of Theology upon a woman. Elena applied, again, at her father's insistence. This time the Church compromised and allowed Elena Piscopia to apply for a Doctorate of Philosophy instead.

Elena Piscopia's Examination for the Doctor of Philosophy degree was to be held in the University Hall of the University of Padua, but due to the multitude of spectators it was transferred to the Cathedral of the Blessed Virgin, Padua. Throughout her examination, Elena's brilliant answers amazed and awed her examiners, who determined that her vast knowledge surpassed the Doctorate of Philosophy. On June 25, 1678 Elena Lucrezia Cornaro Piscopia received the Doctorate of Philosophy degree from the University of Padua.

Known for
Mathematics, philosophy, theology (Catholic), astronomy, music

First woman to earn a doctoral degree (1678), at age 32

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The Lady Cornaro: Pride and Prodigy of Venice, (1999), by Jane Smith Guernsey,  is said to be the first full-length study of the life of Lady Elena.

agnesscott.edu biography page